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Seeking guidance with selection of a digital camera.
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Feb 17, 2017 07:00:21   #
Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH
 
At all costs, stay away from 42nd Street, they don't have a very good reputation at all here on UHH.

You will get a host of opinions about what you should buy.

Your budget will limit your choices. What is your actual budget?

Check out all of the manufacturer's websites for refurbished bodies and lenses! You can often get great deals if you're patient.

Verify their return policies before making your purchases.

Then deciding between crop sensor, full frame, or mirrorless is your next choice.

I've been an equal opportunity shooter over the years. I've shot with a Brownie, Kodak Instamatic, Leica Range Finder, Pentax 35mm, Polaroid, Minolta 101, Nikon 6006, Sigma 35mm, Fuji disposables, Sony Sybershot, and currently I shoot with a Canon Rebel T5, soon to be updated to a Canon 7D MII.

Choose a camera that feels comfortable in your hand first, before deciding on a brand. Then look for features that you need or want, to handle what you plan to shoot.

Next look at the lens selections available for the brand or model that you're considering. How expandable will your model of choice be? Upgrades get expensive when you also have to purchase a whole new set of lenses for that upgrade!

Reply
Feb 17, 2017 07:26:52   #
Butch5
 
For a feature rich camera at a lower price you should consider Pentax. They pack a lot of features into their cameras at some very affordable prices. I've seen used k5 and k5ii bodies selling in the low $300 range. These were both flagship models. The K3 is a newer body but can be had at a good price. Pentax cameras are typically feature rich and these flagship bodies usually have more physical controls which means you have quicker access to settings and less time is spend rooting through menus. They are also backwards compatible so good quality older lens can be used on them and these can sometimes be had at very reasonable prices.

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Feb 17, 2017 07:27:52   #
Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida
 
A DSLR rich with features, excellent workmanship, durability, high quality available lenses, top-ranking tech reviews, etc., and at significantly competitive prices (mostly lower than all other C-sensor or Full frame brands), put Pentax on your option list.

Reply
 
 
Feb 17, 2017 07:55:44   #
Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida
 
Embra wrote:
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing down choices between various digital cameras. I began my photography journey using 35mm film cameras. Over time, I have built my confidence staging and shooting digitally using my HTC smartphone. I have tried a couple of lower end point & shoot cameras. Although the lazy sod in me is attracted to the point and shoot, I already basically know my way around using one - my ultimate aim is to find work as a freelance photographer. As I understand it, DSLR is the "professional standard". However, I see that there are some very attractive "mirrorless" cameras with impressive specs giving the DSLR's a run for their money. I have also seen "bridge" cameras - which I think might be a good choice for me as a "step up" from what I've been doing... Though I can't imagine a professional photographer showing up for a paid gig with one - unless they were getting paid to review it.
The overwhelming majority of my photography concerns nature, landscapes, wildlife, sunrise/sunset although I'm also interested in architecture/street photography, and also in exploring macro - I'm interested in creating fine art prints of plant life, flowers, etc.
My budget is very small at this stage - I understand that this will be an investment which I can build upon over time - and I'm not at all averse to using second or even third hand gear, provided it was cared for properly and is in decent working condition. I'd also like to be taken seriously provided I do land any freelance assignments. My gut tells me I would love an Olympus or a Pentax but short of winning the lottery I don't see that becoming a reality any time soon. I've read several gear buying guides and compared features and prices for the "heavy hitters"... Canon, Nikon, Fuji & Panasonic... Leicas look lovely but I doubt I'll ever have the budget for one.
Suggestions will be gratefully received!
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing... (show quote)


This is a joke... Right?

Reply
Feb 17, 2017 07:59:57   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Embra wrote:
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing down choices between various digital cameras. I began my photography journey using 35mm film cameras. Over time, I have built my confidence staging and shooting digitally using my HTC smartphone. I have tried a couple of lower end point & shoot cameras. Although the lazy sod in me is attracted to the point and shoot, I already basically know my way around using one - my ultimate aim is to find work as a freelance photographer. As I understand it, DSLR is the "professional standard". However, I see that there are some very attractive "mirrorless" cameras with impressive specs giving the DSLR's a run for their money. I have also seen "bridge" cameras - which I think might be a good choice for me as a "step up" from what I've been doing... Though I can't imagine a professional photographer showing up for a paid gig with one - unless they were getting paid to review it.
The overwhelming majority of my photography concerns nature, landscapes, wildlife, sunrise/sunset although I'm also interested in architecture/street photography, and also in exploring macro - I'm interested in creating fine art prints of plant life, flowers, etc.
My budget is very small at this stage - I understand that this will be an investment which I can build upon over time - and I'm not at all averse to using second or even third hand gear, provided it was cared for properly and is in decent working condition. I'd also like to be taken seriously provided I do land any freelance assignments. My gut tells me I would love an Olympus or a Pentax but short of winning the lottery I don't see that becoming a reality any time soon. I've read several gear buying guides and compared features and prices for the "heavy hitters"... Canon, Nikon, Fuji & Panasonic... Leicas look lovely but I doubt I'll ever have the budget for one.
Suggestions will be gratefully received!
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing... (show quote)


Some comparison sites -

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

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Feb 17, 2017 08:40:14   #
Leon S Loc: Minnesota
 
For someone with a limited budget, you can't go wrong with a D700. When it came out it was considered a professional camera almost identical to the picture quality of the D3. It originally sold for about $3000, now a good used one will go for about $800. They are very rugged and have a metal case. I've never had a problem with mine. I also have an D810 but still use the D700 with confidence. I'm sorry but mine is not for safe at this time. It also can use lenses that the D3xxx series can not use with auto focus. It seems to be the camera you are asking about.

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Feb 17, 2017 08:48:32   #
Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala
 
What's your budget?

You can get a used bridge camera on eBay for less than $100. Or a new and more advanced one for less than $500.

I used www.cameradecision.com when deciding what camera to chose and I afford.

I ordered a Nikon D5300, 18-55mm lens, and some other stuff, in a bundle. Price: $449.

Next month I'm ordering a used Fujifilm Finepix S8600 for my 5 y/o son. Price: <$80.

I hope this helps.

Reply
 
 
Feb 17, 2017 08:52:41   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
The selection of a camera is a very personal decision. Today it is very difficult to go wrong selecting a camera regardless of who manufactures it. You should head for a dealer, look at the models you could be interested in buying and handling those bodies in your hands to see how comfortable you feel with camera in hands.
Look at the ergonomics, controls, menus and features of the camera. Are they convenient for you photography style? Some talk with the seller could help but do not let that seller guide you to what you do not want.
Once you have made the selection then begin to think about the lenses that you will use most with that camera and remember, an old camera is as good as a new one when it comes to photographing the subject as long as it has the features you need.

Reply
Feb 17, 2017 09:09:51   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
Kmgw9v wrote:
This is a joke... Right?


I "too" thought it was a "joke" but it "probably" is not.

Reply
Feb 17, 2017 09:31:03   #
Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY
 
I recommend the Nikon D90. You can buy one used as in the following example, but this link is sans lens. Do a search for reviews of this camera and you will see it is a good choice. Also, any Nikon lenses you decide to purchase will work on other Nikons if you decide to upgrade in the future. Good luck!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEAUTIFUL-Nikon-D90-Camera-Body-Accessories-/272555429771

Embra wrote:
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing down choices between various digital cameras. I began my photography journey using 35mm film cameras. Over time, I have built my confidence staging and shooting digitally using my HTC smartphone. I have tried a couple of lower end point & shoot cameras. Although the lazy sod in me is attracted to the point and shoot, I already basically know my way around using one - my ultimate aim is to find work as a freelance photographer. As I understand it, DSLR is the "professional standard". However, I see that there are some very attractive "mirrorless" cameras with impressive specs giving the DSLR's a run for their money. I have also seen "bridge" cameras - which I think might be a good choice for me as a "step up" from what I've been doing... Though I can't imagine a professional photographer showing up for a paid gig with one - unless they were getting paid to review it.
The overwhelming majority of my photography concerns nature, landscapes, wildlife, sunrise/sunset although I'm also interested in architecture/street photography, and also in exploring macro - I'm interested in creating fine art prints of plant life, flowers, etc.
My budget is very small at this stage - I understand that this will be an investment which I can build upon over time - and I'm not at all averse to using second or even third hand gear, provided it was cared for properly and is in decent working condition. I'd also like to be taken seriously provided I do land any freelance assignments. My gut tells me I would love an Olympus or a Pentax but short of winning the lottery I don't see that becoming a reality any time soon. I've read several gear buying guides and compared features and prices for the "heavy hitters"... Canon, Nikon, Fuji & Panasonic... Leicas look lovely but I doubt I'll ever have the budget for one.
Suggestions will be gratefully received!
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing... (show quote)

Reply
Feb 17, 2017 09:48:19   #
VisualMusing Loc: Carrollton, TX
 
Check out www.snapsort.com

I can't vouch for the accuracy of the data behind the query, but it will narrow down the crowded field to a handful of options.

L

Reply
 
 
Feb 17, 2017 09:51:59   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
Take a look at the Canon 7D original. Since the Mk2 version has been available for a coupla years The 7d can be had for under $500, probably the best bargain in the world as the 7d is still a great camera. Put it together with the Tamron 16-300 or a Canon 18-200 and for under $1,000 and you have it covered. This image is the 7d 18-200 combo

mist on the river
mist on the river...

Reply
Feb 17, 2017 10:29:10   #
Oly Guy
 
Try a few out at your local camera store-they have used and lots of ideas-ours is National camera with a 30 day trial and 6 month warranty-Don't forget to check out how it does faces and the general color-that differs widely in softwares.I like Olympus OM5-used about 599.00 with a basic 14 42 lens. If you can afford it get the 12-50 2.8 lens- Also Nikon is a great deal with a used D 3200 and basic lens for under 400.00-Both have great color-Canon also has great starter Rebels in the same range. Try to get the best lens for any you choose with a 2.8 min aperture in the 14 to 50 mm range and 16mp.

Reply
Feb 17, 2017 10:34:41   #
RickL Loc: Vail, Az
 
I just switched from film AF Nikon 2020, we purchased a D7000 that is refurbished from Cameta with a one year warranty. Very reasonable price and an excellent camera

Reply
Feb 17, 2017 10:41:08   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Embra wrote:
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing down choices between various digital cameras. I began my photography journey using 35mm film cameras. Over time, I have built my confidence staging and shooting digitally using my HTC smartphone. I have tried a couple of lower end point & shoot cameras. Although the lazy sod in me is attracted to the point and shoot, I already basically know my way around using one - my ultimate aim is to find work as a freelance photographer. As I understand it, DSLR is the "professional standard". However, I see that there are some very attractive "mirrorless" cameras with impressive specs giving the DSLR's a run for their money. I have also seen "bridge" cameras - which I think might be a good choice for me as a "step up" from what I've been doing... Though I can't imagine a professional photographer showing up for a paid gig with one - unless they were getting paid to review it.
The overwhelming majority of my photography concerns nature, landscapes, wildlife, sunrise/sunset although I'm also interested in architecture/street photography, and also in exploring macro - I'm interested in creating fine art prints of plant life, flowers, etc.
My budget is very small at this stage - I understand that this will be an investment which I can build upon over time - and I'm not at all averse to using second or even third hand gear, provided it was cared for properly and is in decent working condition. I'd also like to be taken seriously provided I do land any freelance assignments. My gut tells me I would love an Olympus or a Pentax but short of winning the lottery I don't see that becoming a reality any time soon. I've read several gear buying guides and compared features and prices for the "heavy hitters"... Canon, Nikon, Fuji & Panasonic... Leicas look lovely but I doubt I'll ever have the budget for one.
Suggestions will be gratefully received!
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing... (show quote)


The brands mentioned are all good and throw in Sony.
Find a used lower end camera in your budget that meets your needs.
Then look at the system as a whole and does it have growth in the direction you want to go.
Handling and ease of use for you.

Reply
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